Connor Whalen Signs Deal With Milwaukee

Jun 21, 2011

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Left-handed pitcherConnor Whalen signed a free agent contract to become a member of the Milwaukee Brewers' organization, bringing the total number of 2011 UC Santa Barbara players now associated with major league teams to six.

Whalen, a 6-foot-3 southpaw from Scottsdale, Ariz., appeared in 22 games this past season for the Gauchos and in his two seasons in the blue and gold appeared in 46 total games, which led the team over that time.

Whalen was 1-1 with a 3.73 ERA in his two seasons as a Gaucho, striking out 33 batters in 31.1 innings. The lefty specialist was one of UCSB's most reliable pitchers in that span.

"I am truly thrilled and excited to become a part of the Brewers' organization," said Whalen, who was also the UCSB baseball team's Golden Eagle Award recipient, given to the player who holds the highest grade-point-average. "I am confident that the skills I learned in my time as a Gaucho will help me succeed in the professional ranks."

Whalen's signing brings the total of 2011 Gauchos now involved with major league teams up to six. Jesse Meaux (Colorado), Mark Haddow (Chicago White Sox) and Matt Vedo (Los Angeles Angels) were all drafted in Major League Baseball's First Year Player Draft and Greg Davis (Milwaukee) and Beck Wheeler (New York Mets) signed free agent deals last week.